Walnut Creek, CA June 2025 by City Lifestyle

Visit Today! Across from Target

A NEW ERA OF FINE JEWELRY

Discover the artistry behind our exquisite collection. Infused with love and dedication, each piece narrates a tale of beauty and sophistication. Embrace the symbol of eternal love with our exquisite engagement rings, crafted to perfection. Be part of our family legacy, where passion and expertise intertwine to create jewelry masterpieces that endure time.

Celebrating Fatherhood and Community in Walnut Creek

Dear Walnut Creek Community,

June is the season of longer days, golden evenings, and spontaneous moments. It’s the start of summer—and the perfect time to celebrate the men who shape our lives and our region.

This month’s “Gents'" issue is all about honoring men — fathers, mentors, leaders, entrepreneurs, neighbors, and friends. Whether they’re firing up the grill, coaching from the sidelines, building businesses, or simply showing up for the ones they love, these men help create the rhythm and heartbeat of our community.

We’re especially excited to share stories that highlight meaningful connections: local dads who work alongside their adult children, creating legacies in both life and business, and a group of Walnut Creek fathers who found camaraderie and support through an online Reddit thread that turned into a real-life meetup. These stories show how masculinity is about more than strength—it’s about presence, purpose, and community.

As school wraps up and summer officially kicks off, we invite you to lean into the season. Hit the trails, plan that long-overdue getaway, enjoy a swim meet, or host a neighborhood cookout. However you celebrate, we hope it includes a toast to the incredible men around you.

Here’s to a summer full of sunshine, adventure, and connection.

With appreciation,

LAUREL KELLAM, PUBLISHER

@WALNUTCREEKCITYLIFESTYLE

June 2025

PUBLISHER

Laurel Kellam | laurel.kellam@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Hemananthani Sivanandam hema.sivanandam@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

McKenzie Walleshauser mckenzie.walleshauser@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Lindsey Hickman, Julie Brown Patton, Cole Cronk

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Albena Ilieva

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

COO Matthew Perry

CRO Jamie Pentz

VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson

VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

Diablo Subaru of Walnut Creek is providing warmth, love, and support to those facing cancer.

Diablo Subaru believes we all should have a chance to lead a healthy life. That’s why for the past 10 years, Subaru and its retailers like us have partnered with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS). Through our united efforts during this decade-long partnership, we will have supported nearly 500,000 cancer patients nationwide by the end of this year. Together, we are proud to be LLS’s largest automotive donor.

Approximately every three minutes, a person in the U.S. is diagnosed with a blood cancer like leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma. The recovery can be long and often leaves them feeling weak, cold, and isolated.

During the month of June as part of the Subaru Loves to Care® initiative, Diablo Subaru of Walnut Creek is partnering with LLS and John Muir Medical Center to give warm blankets, patient care kits, and encouraging messages of hope written by our staff and customers at our store to support patients facing cancer.

Diablo Subaru of Walnut Creek loves to care, and we show it by providing warmth, love, and support when and where they’re needed most. To learn more about what we are doing for patients and their families in our community, visit DiabloSubaru.com/LovePromise

industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC. Investment performance is not a criterion. Self-completed survey was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria.

2023 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams: Awarded January 2023; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 3/31/21 - 3/31/22 (Source: Forbes.com). Fee paid for use of marketing materials. The Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams rating algorithm is based on the previous year’s industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue and

Medical, Surgical, Cosmetic Dermatology | Skin Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Dr. Hayes B. Gladstone, MD

Double Board Certified, Dermatology/ Dermatologic Surgery Fellowship Trained, Cosmetic Surgery Former Director/Professor, Dermatologic Surgery Stanford University

Dr. Daniel Wall, MD

Board Certified Dermatologist

Medical, Surgical, Cosmetic Dermatology San Francisco Giants Dermatologist

Jaclyn Ballin, PA-C

Certified Dermatology Physician Assistant

Walnut Creek (Tice Valley Plaza)

Call or Text: (925) 427-7000 | 1808 Tice Valley Blvd, Walnut Creek, CA 94595

Hours: Tuesday - Thursday: 9:00am-6:00pm, Friday 9:45am - 1:00pm

Danville

Call or Text: (925) 837-6000 | 3860 Blackhawk Rd #140, Danville, CA 94506

Hours: Monday - Friday: 9:00am-6:00pm www.GladstoneClinic.com

business monthly

Walnut

Creek

recognized for good sustainability practices

Walnut Creek was recently honored with the Beacon Spotlight Award from the Institute for Local Government, receiving platinum-level recognition for its leadership in sustainability practices. This accolade reflects the City Council’s continued focus on sustainability as a core strategic goal. The city was acknowledged for implementing 66 best practices across 11 different sustainability categories. Highlights include the installation of 39 electric vehicle charging stations and the conversion of 96% of city streetlights to energy-efficient LEDs.

Photography by Walnut Creek City Government

New Office in Walnut Creek - Rossmoor Area

Photograph by Jessica Brydson Photography

BROTHERHOOD on tap

Inside the Walnut Creek Reddit Dads Meetup

ARTICLE BY LINDSEY HICKMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALBENA ILIEVA

On a sunny Saturday afternoon at Headlands Brewing, the picnic benches are bustling—not just with craft beer fans but with dads, toddlers, and strollers in tow. It’s the latest gathering of the Walnut Creek Reddit Dads Meetup, a growing group of local fathers carving out a few hours for connection, camaraderie, and a reminder that they’re not alone in the chaos of parenthood.

What started as a casual post on the r/ walnutcreek subreddit has bloomed into a bi-weekly ritual for a rotating cast of 20–30 dads, organized by Walnut Creek resident Dave Bullock. As a principal software engi neer at Apple and father of two under two, Dave launched the first meetup with the goal of creating space for fathers who, like him, were adjusting to new rhythms of life and craving community.

The original post had a lot of traction, Dave recalls, “There are tons of mom groups, which are awesome, but I realized there wasn’t really anything just for dads. This felt like a gap we could fill.”

Though it began with coffee and casual chats at the Walnut Creek Farmers Market, the group quickly evolved, experimenting with meetups at local playgrounds (where chasing kids left little time to actually talk), barbecue joints, and breweries like Sauced and Headlands. The vibe is intentionally low-pressure. Some dads bring their kids, others show up solo. There’s no agenda— just a shared understanding that this par enting journey is better navigated together.

For Christopher Kauffman, a newer member and a social worker by training, the group arrived at just the right time. “My education and work have taught me the significance of social and emotional sup port for general well-being,” he explains. “I had a great social circle during college, but hadn’t found as many like-minded people in the Bay Area—until now.”

Elevate Your Spa Ritual Glow All Summer Long

Christopher says that while technology can deepen isolation, it also has the potential to connect. “It was exciting to find a space where I could share my new parenting experiences with others who get it,” he says. “I’m tremendously appreciative of the experienced and first-time parents in my life. And it’s genuinely inspiring to see the new generation of dads showing up—not just physically, but emotionally.”

That emotional presence is part of what makes this group feel different. “I love that I can be part of a society where it’s not only acceptable but encouraged for dads to be vulnerable with each other, ask for guidance, and offer emotional support,” Christopher says. “The future generation of children will benefit greatly from this shift.”

Brett Biba echoes that sentiment. After several years as a stay-at-home dad, Brett recently returned to work as a senior quality assurance engineer. The group, he says, offers “a reminder that I’m not alone.” While his kids occasionally tag along, he values the flexibility and freedom to just show up and be real. “It’s more about support and connection than anything formal.”

That low-pressure ethos—no rigid schedule, no RSVP culture—has helped foster something rare and deeply needed. Whether it’s a mountain biking trip, a playground hang, or an impromptu beer-and-babies afternoon, the group continues to evolve, shaped by the needs and energy of its members.

And while the group may be called the Reddit Dads Meetup, it’s far from exclusive. “We’re inclusive—moms are welcome too,” Dave says. “The idea was just to create something for dads because that wasn’t really out there, but we’re open to everyone.”

What unites this group isn’t just the shared experience of parenthood, but a shared desire to build community from the ground up—something all the dads, whether new or seasoned, speak to with quiet pride.

“I love that I can be part of a society where it’s not only acceptable but encouraged for dads to be vulnerable with each other, ask for guidance, and offer emotional support.”

As the afternoon at Headlands wears on, laughter echoes across the patio. A dad helps his toddler navigate a bag of snacks while another cradles a newborn. Conversations drift from daycare logistics to emotional labor to whether or not it’s too early for a second round.

In a world that rarely pauses for fathers to check in on themselves—or each other— the Walnut Creek Reddit Dads Meetup offers something increasingly rare: connection without pressure, friendship without pretense, and a few hours where showing up is enough.

And sometimes, that’s exactly what a dad needs.

Father’s Day Gift Guide for Every Type of Dad

Shop Local and Make This Father's Day Unforgettable.

This Father’s Day, show the dads in your life how much they mean to you with a gift that’s thoughtful, unique, and local. From premium BBQ gear and golf experiences to handcrafted goods and wine tastings, our curated list has something for the men in your lives from local stores! Downtown Ace Walnut Creek

For the Backyard Boss

Get the perfect barbeque essentials such as BBQ rubs, seasonings, grills, and pizza ovens for the dads who rule the grill.

Visit: Wcace.com/

For the Golf-Obsessed Dad

Gift your dad to a one-of-a-kind tee time with cutting-edge technology and personalized expertise— perfect for a seasoned golfer or a first timer.

Visit: Eastbaygolflab.com/

For the Stylish (or Style-Challenged) Dad

Find timeless apparel, footwear, accessories, and more for dads who love a unique and cool look.

Visit: Venturegoods.com/

Barrel Shoppe, Lafayette

For the Whiskey and Bourbon Aficionados

Treat your dad to a unique selection of single-barrel picks delivered every quarter with the Whiskey Club exclusive membership.

Visit: Barrelshoppe.com/

For the Wine-Loving Dad

Book a wine-tasting session for Dad at Shadowbrook’s brand new, state-ofthe-art winery and tasting room (and maybe join him too.)

Visit: Shadowbrookwinery.com/

IN BUSINESS TOGETHER

Fathers And Children Share Visions, Values, And Victories.

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALBENA ILIEVA

Crystal-clear "magic" of fathers and their children working together successfully often lies in their unique bonds and shared experiences that foster mutual respect, learning and growth.

Boris and Yelena Vayn

Photo by Black Oak Media - Real Estate Marketing

“We get along really well, more like best friends. One strength from working together is we back each other up.”

Chef Hasan Yildiz and his son, Onur Yildiz, exemplify that magic locally. Together, they operate the Walnut Creek fusion cuisine restaurant, La Fontaine. Onur says he considers himself lucky to taste his father's culinary creations before anyone else.

"I'm spoiled and I'm even a picky eater," says Onur, a computer engineer by day and the restaurant's assistant manager by night. "I love working together. We get along really well, more like best friends."

Hasan opened the first La Fontaine in Mountain View during 2012 as a restaurant and catering business that reflected his unique approach to cuisine. Although Hasan enjoys many cooking styles, he decided to create a menu of dishes with French and Italian influences. In 2021, Hasan expanded and opened the second La Fontaine location in downtown Walnut Creek on North Broadway between Cypress and Duncan Street.

"Although working together wasn't necessarily planned, he helped at the restaurant when he was in college. I like that I can give Onur more work. It just made sense," says the chef.

Onur says one of the utmost strengths from working together is that they back each other up. "We both give our heart and soul to the restaurant, and because of that, treat our employees and guests as family, too. When Chef says he'll get something done, he puts in 110%, and he knows I will, too."

Hasan agrees that mutual trust is essential to their relationship. "When I step away from a night shift, I don't worry because my son's there. I know he'll handle everything, even the reports at the end of the evening."

Regarding different viewpoints or any potential conflicts related to huge decisions, Hasan shares that they stay calm and use an intentional "cooling off' period of a day or so, before returning to the situation to solve it.

Chef Hasan Yildiz (right) and his son Onur.

"We also both truly listen to each other, even if we don't agree," Onur adds.

He says setting time boundaries as much as possible between restaurant and non-restaurant activities helps create a better work-life balance.

The relationship of Hasan and Onur is working so well, and their confidence is so solid in their ability to co-handle work and stress, they're contemplating opening a third La Fontaine restaurant, perhaps in Alamo.

Another local, dynamic duo who joyfully and productively work together as father and daughter is Boris and Yelena Vayn. Yelena has been a Bay Area Realtor since 2023, with Boris recently earning his real estate license to join her team part-time for specific support functions, such as hosting open houses.

"I dreamed about real estate for years, especially as more software tools for it became available. I began to study for the real estate licensing test, but had to keep leaving it on the back burner due to IT projects," recalls Boris while reflecting on his 25-year career in information technology.

Upon seeing her father's stack of real estate books for about seven years, Yelena says she 'booknapped' them and completed the program. "Then I ended up signing him up to take the test," she quips.

Yelena says the two worked out how to handle different tasks of projects or geographies, while knowing instinctively when to ask each other's advice. "What better person to work with then someone you trust, are comfortable with and can rely on? I often seek my father's experience and perspectives, too."

While Boris says he believes parents and children learn from each other, he's happy to support Yelena because she's "the flagship of our team."

“Now that I'm his mentor, the table's been turned and our roles are somewhat switched. But we're still like best friends. As long as there's mutual respect, everything's good.”

While these two professionals share knowledge, expertise and motivation, they admit they don't want work-related conflicts to potentially impact their personal relationships, or vice versa, so they've committed to always be thoughtful about more delicate matters.

Boris adds, "I'm proud of my daughter’s accomplishments and admire her attention to details, perseverance and commitment to clients. We empower each other so we both can work independently, or together, contributing to the team's success. We always keep in mind our ultimate goal is our clients' satisfaction, that we need to provide the best customer

service and honor our fiduciary duty of being faithful servants to clients as real estate agents."

Boris suggests proper planning, setting boundaries, distributing daily workloads and rest is the solution. "One of my friends practices and recommends having a 'dolce far niente," or the sweetness of doing nothing day, sometimes to savor simple pleasures of life."

Yelena and Boris confirm they stay in frequent communications with each other, sometimes through a dozen phone calls a day. She says, "We both like helping people."

He assures, "We both enjoy our common passion for real estate."

Meet Michael Cardoza

ARTICLE BY CRYSTAL LONG PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAREN HENRICH AT CUSTOM MOMENTS PHOTOGRAPHY

Michael Cardoza always knew he wanted to be a lawyer. With an innate passion for helping people, the San Francisco native translated his passion for aiding those in need into an extensive career in law spanning over 40 years.

“I have always had a strong desire to help people through the most difficult situations in their lives,” says Michael. “Whether someone, or their family member, has been affected by severe injuries, wrongful death, or criminal charges, I am a strong advocate ensuring protection of their rights.”

Michael’s strong sense of right or wrong is what led him to pursue a career in law. After graduating from the University of San Francisco and getting his Juris Doctorate from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, Michael got the opportunity to immerse himself in a diverse range of legal roles: from being a prosecutor in Los Angeles, San Francisco,

WALNUT CREEK ATTORNEY WITH OVER

40 YEARS OF

LEGAL EXPERIENCE

and Alameda counties, to serving as a chief Administration Officer for Continental Savings and Loan, and to even becoming a Chairman of the Board of Premier Title Company. But his true passion lies in trial work.

“That’s where I feel most engaged. Whether it's a complex civil dispute or a high-stakes criminal case,” says Michael. “So many civil attorneys have never tried a jury trial; that courtroom experience gives me a real advantage.”

He also stresses the importance of building a strong foundation in the legal field. Earlier in his career, Michael worked in a district attorney’s office where he had the opportunity to try over 200 cases. That experience became the foundation of everything he does.

“At the end of the day, it's the advocacy, the ability to tell a client's story, to shape a case to fight for a just outcome that keeps me in this profession.”

Years of courtroom experience eventually led the seasoned attorney to open his own criminal defense, personal injury, and business litigation firm. The Cardoza Law Offices opened its doors in 1997 and is located right here in Walnut Creek. To him, choosing Walnut Creek was about finding the “perfect fit.”

“Personally, it gives my family the community, opportunities, and work-life balance that we highly value,” Michael explained. “Professionally, it places my law office in the heart of a dynamic, growing market with convenient access to the entire Bay Area.”

As an attorney, Michael has worked on many cases throughout his extensive career, but one that still stands out to him was a triple murder case in Alameda County.

“A man killed his parents and grandfather while under the influence of PCP — it was the first time a PCP intoxication defense was used in court.” Other high-profile cases that stood out to him were the San Francisco dog mauling case, where he represented the victim’s surviving partner in a wrongful death case, and the tiger attack at the San Francisco Zoo.

Michael’s legal expertise hasn’t just been confined to the courtroom— it has also lit up television screens across the nation. He’s a regular analyst on Larry King Live and has provided expert commentary on high-profile cases, such as Scott Peterson, Michael Jackson, Robert Blake, and JonBenét Ramsey.

But Michael says his television career was unexpected. While working as a prosecutor in Alameda County, he appeared on 60 Minutes and was often asked to discuss his high-profile cases on local television. He has also been featured on shows such as The Today Show, Oprah, Greta Van Susteren , and The O'Reilly Factor

“It was an unexpected but exciting extension of my legal career,” says Michael.

He still appears as a legal analyst for KRON 4 and KTVU in the Bay Area, bringing his courtroom insights to living rooms across California.

Visit Cardolaw.com or call the office at 925-274-2900 for more information.

L-R:DanCabral, Esq, Cordoza, and DaniScott , Esq .

“At the end of the day, it's the advocacy, the ability to tell a client's story, to shape a case to fight for a just outcome that keeps me in this profession.”

Shockwave Therapy Helped My Teen Athlete Recover From Shoulder Pain

Shockwave therapy delivers targeted pulses of acoustic energy to a specific area of the body.

ARTICLE BY LAUREL KELLAM | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAUREL KELLAM & CORTEZ SPORTS MEDIA

Pain is funny—not in a "haha" way, but in a "why does my child suddenly have the shoulder of a 90-year-old retired pitcher?" kind of way. My daughter, a 13-yearold volleyball player with Diablo Volleyball in Walnut Creek, found herself in just that predicament. A middle blocker with a strong serve, she could no longer raise her right arm without pain, which, in volleyball, is a bit of a problem.

“It’s basically creating a little bit of a minor trauma for the body to recognize an area as that is in increased need of nutrients and blood flow.”

We did what any patient would do: we followed the traditional path. Physical therapy at Shadelands. Hours in waiting rooms. Weeks of stretching, strengthening, and missing school. No change. Next stop: an orthopedic specialist, who insisted that physical therapy was the only necessary treatment and the only viable option. Another round of physical therapy, but still no progress.

Frustrated with the lack of results, I reached out to one of my clients and asked Dr. Paul Kim at the Medical Institute of Healthy Aging in Walnut Creek for his opinion. Paul’s daughter also plays

volleyball at Diablo, so he understood the physical demands of the sport. Among his arsenal of regenerative treatments?

Shockwave therapy, which sounded like something out of a superhero origin story. Paul reviewed her X-rays, assessed her movements, and declared, “Shockwave therapy could help.”

And help, it did. After one treatment, the pain improved. Two treatments later, she was back on the court and able to raise both her arms. Three treatments later, she was able to hit again. After her fourth treatment, my daughter got her serve back and has been playing without any pain or restrictions!

Shockwave therapy, originally developed using ultrasound-based technology, delivers targeted pulses of acoustic energy to a specific area of the body.

According to Paul, shockwave therapy has been used in traditional medicine for a long time, but it is now being adopted to support joint health by stimulating the body’s natural healing response.

“It's basically creating a little bit of a minor trauma for the body to recognize an area as that is in increased need of nutrients and blood flow,” says Paul. “Shockwave brings attention to that area.”

He says modern shockwave therapy devices emit focused pulses that penetrate deep into the body, far deeper than traditional ultrasound imaging or therapeutic tools used in chiropractic care.

Treatment protocols vary depending on the severity of the condition.

“Traditionally, with the original kind of therapy for minor arthritis and for early changes related to, like a sprain or some joint dysfunction, it probably just requires three to four treatments,” he says. “But if it has major degenerative joints, and you're trying to get much more, you may require 10 to 20 treatments, to get that therapy to recognize the body needs to start healing it.”

He adds that shockwave therapy is meant to help people avoid further damage to the weight-bearing and activity joints by healing them early.

When asked about side effects, Paul said the shockwave therapy has minimal side effects.

“Some people might experience mild skin irritation, but we've not had any major side effects noted from people who underwent this therapy," he says.

Photo courtesy of Dr. Paul Kim

Photo courtesy of Cortez Sports Media

mount diablo village

Getting older can be challenging. Many may assume that the challenge is physical health. Although this can be true, medicine and modern technology have allowed people to live longer than ever. The new challenge is providing this population with a way to stay connected and engaged in their lives.

The Census Bureau estimates that approximately 29.2% of the Walnut Creek population is over 65 years old, a large proportion of whom may be disconnected due to retirement, living far from family, or other reasons.

The Village Movement, a coalition of grassroots community organizations known as villages, helps the elderly build a sense of community and age gracefully. In Walnut Creek, the soon-to-be-launched Mount Diablo Village aims to increase the quality of life for these older residents.

ARTICLE BY COLE CRONK PHOTOGRAPHY BY

MARCUS L JACKSON PHOTOGRAPHY

Ellen Osmundson, the woman behind Mount Diablo Village, says it is a place where "any senior citizen is welcome to pull up a chair. There is always room.” The organization's four main branches exercising, learning, connecting, and supporting — are the four legs that hold up the Mount Diablo Village table. These categories often lean on each other, such as their recent “Smell the Roses Walk” event, where citizens met up, took a walk, and received a rose to take home. This event combines both exercise and socialization, as residents make new friends while getting some steps in.

Where Seniors Can Thrive

Learning is another vital branch that connects to Mount Diablo Village's overall mission. Keeping the brain sharp through learning helps prevent the hippocampus, a part of the brain, from shrinking, which minimizes the risk of cognitive decline or dementia. Other ways to prevent this include exercising and socializing. Mount Diablo Village’s holistic approach will not only improve the health of senior citizens but also enhance their quality of life. Plus, staying in their own homes instead of living in a retirement care home gives seniors extra comfort and familiarity in their space and daily routine.

Ellen says it takes a village to care for others. “Many know this saying about raising a child. But do we know it also takes a village to care for the people on the other end of the age spectrum?”

The organization is looking for volunteers to help out, mostly with simple tasks like assisting an elderly person with transportation or performing basic handyman chores.

“Many know this saying about raising a child. But do we know it also takes a village to care for the people on the other end of the age spectrum?”

Ellen isn’t a stranger to volunteering, either. Before her Mount Diablo Village endeavor, she was on the board for the Diablo Symphony Orchestra, a non-profit orchestra that struggled at the beginning of the pandemic. Ellen quickly seized an opportunity to celebrate the orchestra’s 60th anniversary, which helped the non-profit restore confidence and excitement.

When she learned that Mount Diablo Village, originally known as Walnut Creek Village, existed some eight to nine years earlier and was discontinued in 2019, she decided to devote her time to bringing it back. With the help of members and leaders from Clayton Valley Village and Lamorinda Village, she put together a team to make Mount Diablo Village a reality for older residents in Walnut Creek.

Although Ellen was initially interested in continuing her work with music by starting after-school programs for underserved children, she ultimately shifted her focus to Mount Diablo Village. “There is an urgency to pay more attention to seniors as they worked very hard when they were young,” she said. “Giving them the respect and appreciation they deserve is the least we can do to thank them.”

Join Mount Diablo Village as a senior or as a volunteer by visiting Mountdiablovillage.org

Ellen Osmundson (middle), is the woman behind Mount Diablo Village.

USING THESE TIPS YOU CAN MAKE A DELICIOUS HOMEMADE BARBECUE SAUCE.

A good barbecue sauce is comprised of a variety of the same six components. The key is to discover what style you enjoy most, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Oh, and taste often during the preparation process to adjust if so desired.

SOMETHING SWEET

This can be honey, cola, molasses, preserves, brown sugar, or syrup. This caramelizes as you cook, bringing those smoky, sugary flavors.

SOMETHING TANGY

Think vinegar, mustard, or citrus. This is what brings the zing to your sauce.

SOMETHING SPICY

This provides your heat: a hot sauce is a great choice. A good rule of thumb is to use about 1/2 teaspoon for every cup of sauce you’re making.

SOMETHING LIQUID

It can be beer, water, chicken stock, soda, or wine. Start with about 1/2 a cup and see what happens.

SOMETHING TOMATO

You’ll most likely use ketchup, but you can also use tomato paste.

THE SPICE COMBINATION

This can depend on your liking and taste and can include anything from onion powder to garlic powder to chili powder to allspice to cayenne pepper to mustard powder to liquid smoke to cumin to Worcestershire sauce and more. Start with a teaspoon of salt, and keep tasting as you experiment with your desired spices.

HOMEMADE

BBQ SAUCE

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups ketchup

• 1 cup water

• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

• 5 tablespoons brown sugar

• 5 tablespoons sugar

• 1/2 tablespoon black pepper

• 1/2 tablespoon onion powder

• 1/2 tablespoon ground mustard

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

DIRECTIONS

In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients. Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat to simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring frequently, for 1 hour 15 minutes.

Recipe and information courtesy of Pat Neely and Gina Neely.

JUNE 8TH

Classic Car Show

2660 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek | 10:00 AM

The Walnut Creek Historical Society will host its fifth annual car show. This is an outdoor event held on the grounds of the Shadelands Ranch Museum. There will be fabulous cars, live music, great food, awards, and a raffle. The museum will be open for tours! Visit: Wchistory. org/events/classic-car-show/

JUNE 11TH

Locust Street Festival

Locust Street (between Mt. Diablo Blvd & Civic Drive) and on Cypress Street (between California Blvd & N. Main St.) | 5:30 PM

Don’t miss the best summer block party around: the Locust Street Festival, a lively street festival series (formerly First Wednesdays) in downtown Walnut Creek! Enjoy live music, family entertainment, local restaurants and food trucks, craft beer and wine, and handmade goods from local artisans. Admission is free, and fun is guaranteed! Visit www.walnutcreekdowntown.com for details.

JUNE 21ST

Public Art Walking Tour

Bedford Gallery 1601 Civic Drive Walnut Creek | 10:00 AM

Take a stroll around Walnut Creek and discover the striking artworks in an urban setting. This one-hour tour takes you through the business parks near the Walnut Creek BART station. Free for those 18 and under. Adults pay $5 (cash only). Wear comfortable shoes and sunscreen! No reservations, but if attending with a group of six or more, email galleryinfo@bedfordgallery.org